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Perris council introduces ordinance adopting CAL FIRE fire hazard severity zone map; council urged to note homeowner impacts
Summary
The Perris City Council introduced on first reading an ordinance on May 27 to adopt the CAL FIRE fire hazard severity zone map for the city, a ministerial action that maps expanded high‑risk areas and triggers building‑hardening requirements.
PERRIS, Calif. — The Perris City Council on May 27 introduced on first reading an ordinance adopting the CAL FIRE fire hazard severity zone (FHSZ) map for the city after a presentation from the city’s fire marshal. The vote to introduce the ordinance was unanimous, 5‑0.
The issue: The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (known as CAL FIRE) transmits updated FHSZ maps to local agencies, and state law requires jurisdictions to adopt the maps or submit comments for CAL FIRE review. Jorge Caballero, the city’s building official and fire marshal, told the council the latest map was received on March 24, 2025, and that the city has 120 days under state law to adopt or respond. “With a new science in climate, they find micro‑weather conditions for the city, including the surface winds, and they added native and urban vegetation,” Caballero said. He said the updated map expands very‑high and high severity zones in parts of the city, including newly mapped areas to the southwest and portions to the northeast.
Practical effects: Caballero said properties newly mapped into high or very high hazard zones will be subject to stricter building hardening and construction standards, including Chapter 7A measures for roofs, doors, windows and exterior walls; recommended defensible‑space requirements also apply, and sellers must disclose whether a property sits in a mapped zone. The fire marshal’s office published the maps and notified industry groups; city staff said they presented the maps to the planning commission earlier in the month and published a public hearing notice in the local newspaper.
Public input and comments: City staff did not report receiving public comments directly to the city on the map but said CAL FIRE logged about 23 comments that will be forwarded with the city’s adoption package for CAL FIRE’s review. Staff reported reaching out by phone to two commenters who provided contact information.
Insurance concerns: During council discussion members raised concerns about homeowner insurance and the timing and practical effects of the mapping. A council member noted a consumer alert issued by California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara indicating that FHSZ maps are one of multiple factors insurers use and do not alone dictate premium decisions. City staff cautioned that homeowners should consult their insurers; the council and staff also discussed working with the fire department on mitigation and outreach for affected neighborhoods.
Council action: Mayor Pro Tem Raab moved to introduce the ordinance on first reading; Councilman Malcolm Corona seconded. Roll‑call was unanimous, 5‑0.
Next steps: By adopting the ordinance, the city meets its ministerial obligation to forward the adopted map and any local comments to CAL FIRE for final review. The ordinance proceeds through the city’s adoption process as required.
